On the Brink: Nova Scotia has a rent subsidy program. Here’s how it works

As more tenants in Nova Scotia are feeling the pinch from the rising cost of rent, the provincial government says help is available for those most in need.

Earlier this month, we brought you a series called ‘On the Brink,’ which profiles people who are struggling with the rising cost of living and housing in Nova Scotia. In this story, we talk about the province’s rental subsidy program, who can apply, and its limitations.

As more tenants in Nova Scotia are feeling the pinch from the rising cost of rent, the provincial government says help is available for those most in need.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit, also referred to as a rent subsidy program, can provide up to $200 per month for those spending more than 50 per cent of their income on rent. The housing benefit is also available for homeowners.

Nova Scotia Housing Minister John Lohr said there are about 8,000 supplements available, and no waitlist. He described it as “one of the most robust rental sub programs in the country.”

“If you’re spending 50 per cent or more of your income on rent, you can apply,” he said.

The subsidy used to be available to those who spend 30 per cent or more of their pre-tax income on rent — which the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation defines as the threshold for “affordable housing” — but it was quietly changed to 50 per cent in April.

At the time, Lohr said the demand for the rent supplement had spiked and the province couldn’t keep up.

In an interview Tuesday, he said there were a “couple reasons” why the change was made.